MAKER ER

ASHLAND STAKES boasts long history as a SHOWCASE of star fillies that become EXCEPTIONAL producers

By Liane Crossley

Liane

When Nest was crowned champion 3-year-old flly of 2022, she became the second consecutive Ashland Stakes winner to earn the Eclipse Award in the category. Malathaat held the distinction the previous season and added champion older dirt female to her credentials for 2022.

WTe recognitions further enhanced the reputation of the Ashland as a spotlight for champion-caliber fllies. Te race had almost instantly established its lasting prestige at Keeneland’s inaugural meet in October 1936. Te allure is heightened by a multitude of winners that have evolved into breed-shaping broodmares, whose names appear in the lineages of modern generations of racing’s best-known names.

Sponsored by Central Bank since 2010, the Ashland is named for the home and breeding farm of statesman Henry Clay, located on the fringe of downtown Lexington and open year-round to visitors. Te initial two runnings — at the fall meets of 1936 and 1937 — were for fllies and mares, 3 years old and older. Not held in 1938 and 1939, the race returned in 1940 as an event limited to 3-year-old fllies. Te Ashland was hosted by Churchill Downs from 1943-45 when wartime restrictions halted racing at Keene-